HIST 120 Roman Republic to Empire

Patricians

The hereditary aristocratic class in early Rome. They held significant political and social power.

Marc Antony

A Roman politician and general. A key ally of Julius Caesar, he formed the Second Triumvirate with Octavian and Lepidus. He later clashed with Octavian and was defeated at the Battle of Actium.

Romulus

According to Roman legend, the founder and first king of Rome.

Trajan

A Roman emperor (98-117 AD) considered one of the 'Five Good Emperors.' He expanded the Roman Empire to its greatest territorial extent.

Second Triumvirate

A political alliance formed by Octavian, Marc Antony, and Lepidus after the assassination of Julius Caesar.

Battle of Alesia

A decisive battle in 52 BC in which Julius Caesar defeated a coalition of Gallic tribes led by Vercingetorix, resulting in the expansion of Roman power into Gaul.

Tribune of the Plebs

An office created to protect the interests of the plebeians (commoners). Tribunes had the power to veto actions of the Senate.

Scipio Africanus

A Roman general who defeated Hannibal in the Second Punic War, notably at the Battle of Zama.

Tiberius

A Roman emperor (14-37 AD), the stepson of Augustus, and the second emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty.

Julio-Claudian Dynasty

The first Roman imperial dynasty, consisting of Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero.

Polybius

A Greek historian who wrote about the rise of the Roman Republic, providing valuable insights into Roman political institutions and military tactics.

Patrocinium

The Roman system of patronage, in which a patron provided support to a client in exchange for loyalty and services.

Populus

The Roman people as a whole.

Brutus

Marcus Junius Brutus, a Roman senator who was one of the key conspirators in the assassination of Julius Caesar.

Vespasian

Roman emperor (69-79 AD), founder of the Flavian dynasty, who restored stability after the Year of the Four Emperors.

Pater Familias

The oldest male in a Roman family, who held absolute authority over his household.

Optimates

The traditionalist senatorial faction in the late Roman Republic, who sought to maintain the power of the aristocracy.

Philip V

King of Macedon (221-179 BC), who fought against Rome in the Second Macedonian War.

First Triumvirate

An unofficial political alliance between Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus.

Populares

The political faction in the late Roman Republic that favored the interests of the common people.

Latin League

A confederation of Latin city-states during the early Roman Republic.

Battle of Pharsalus

A decisive battle in 48 BC in which Julius Caesar defeated Pompey, leading to Caesar's dominance of the Roman Republic.

Cicero

A Roman statesman, lawyer, orator, and philosopher, known for his writings and speeches.

Battle of Cannae

A major battle in the Second Punic War in 216 BC, in which Hannibal's forces decisively defeated the Roman army.

Claudius

Roman emperor (41-54 AD), known for his administrative abilities and the conquest of Britain.

Flavian Dynasty

The Roman imperial dynasty founded by Vespasian, consisting of Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian.

Caesarion

The son of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra VII.

Octavian

Julius Caesar's adopted son and heir, who became the first Roman emperor, Augustus.

Latifundia

Large agricultural estates in ancient Rome, often worked by slave labor.

Pompey

A Roman general and politician, a member of the First Triumvirate, and a rival of Julius Caesar.